Comments on: Survival Tips for Ironman Training Camps

By: russ

russ — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:48:57 +0000

Ian,

Sounds like the perfect way to make the most of those two weekends. With a big training week I’d usually divide the time into 3 days harder, 1 easier day and another 3 days harder. So two long weekends of 3-4 days hard training with 3 days easier between will give much the same effect.

I’ve a real mix of how athletes are using that period. Some are taking the time off and really using the whole block, others are having family time at the weekends and taking advantage of the middle. One or two are looking for something similar to your idea.

The Royal wedding has worked out well for athletes!

Russ

By: Ian Simon

Ian Simon — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:44:59 +0000

Hi Russ,
I’m thinking about using the two bank holiday weekends to form home-based camp. Do you think the concept of doing 4 long days / 3 easier days (but back in work) / 4 long days will be effective? Presumably, they’ll be less accumulated fatigue at the end of it.

By: russ

russ — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:46:02 +0000

Oh! Enjoy your camp too, make the most of it. You’re in good hands.

Russ

By: russ

russ — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:45:31 +0000

No problem Simon.

Taper/recovery for big training weeks should be in proportion to how much you’re stepping up the training load. The more you do the more you need to be prepared. The emphasis is definitely on the recovery process. It’s easy to underestimate how long it can take before you really see the gains.

Epic Camp NZ 2011 took almost a month before I felt like my riding was improving.

Russ

By: simon

simon — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:15:21 +0000

Thanks russ, too tips. its hard to taper and then take a week off after, but I agree without the recovery you dont reap the reward. good luck with ur big week:-) simon